Rule 127.Amendment of Petition.
Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 11, 2026
Full Text of Rule 127
Amendment History
The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s compiled text of this rule carries no amendment order for this rule. For the adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s rules page.
Plain-English Summary
A petition may be amended by order of the court at any time before an adjudication. Two provisos follow, and both protect the child.
The first is a ceiling. In cases alleging law violations, the charge shall not be enlarged by the amendment. A petition may be corrected or clarified; it may not grow into something more serious on the eve of a hearing.
The second is time. The court shall grant the parties such additional time to prepare as may be required to ensure a full and fair hearing. An amendment that is permitted still cannot be sprung on anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Hawaii juvenile petition be amended?
Yes, by order of the court at any time before an adjudication.
Can the charge be made more serious?
No. In cases alleging law violations the charge shall not be enlarged by the amendment.
Do I get more time after an amendment?
Yes. The court shall grant such additional time to prepare as may be required to ensure a full and fair hearing.
When is it too late to amend?
After adjudication. The rule permits amendment at any time before it.
Does Rule 15 apply instead?
Rule 127 governs amendment of a juvenile petition. Rule 15 is the general amendment rule in Part A.